Government Affairs

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is active in government at the local, state and federal levels. In times of tough budgets, the Chamber has been able to get funding for certain items that help our members conduct their businesses. The Chamber is dedicated to making sure laws passed do not negatively affect our members or the Columbia business community. Our mission is to make Columbia an even better place to live, learn, work and play.

Government Affairs Documents

2018 Columbia Chamber of Commerce Legislative Agenda

2018 Local Agenda and Priorities

2017 Legislative Scorecard

Government Affairs News

Columbia Chamber of Commerce Endorses Water Bond

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce endorsed Proposition 1, the water bond. Proposition 1 will be on the Primary Election ballot on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. The bond proposal will fund nearly $43 million worth of projects to modernize the city’s water treatment systems. These upgrades will include additional reliability and safety elements. To finance the … Continued

Chamber Addresses City Council Concerns About the Lack of Transparency and Not Supporting The Outcomes of Ballot Measures

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce addressed the Columbia City Council at its July 16, 2018 meeting regarding its lack of transparency and not supporting the outcomes of voter-approved ballot measures. Past chairman, David Nivens, was granted time to speak during the meeting’s scheduled public comment section. Nivens focused on the Chamber’s and business community’s concerns … Continued

Columbia Chamber of Commerce Concerned About the Lack of Advancement With Voter Approved Projects

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is concerned with the Columbia City Council’s lack to advance voter-approved projects forward. In 2017, 86.13 percent of the 1670 citizens polled by the Chamber said it is important to complete infrastructure projects approved by voters. At that time, the Chamber urged council members to think about what’s best for … Continued

Chamber Supports Federal Legislation to Require President to Submit Tariff Raises to Congress

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has signed onto a national letter of support for legislation by U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). The bill would require the President to submit to Congress any proposal to raise tariffs in the interest of national security. The Chamber is one of more than 200 national associations and state and … Continued

Chamber Endorses Missouri’s Plan to Fund Transportation Systems

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce endorsed the ballot measure aimed to increase funding for the state’s crumbling transportation system. The plan would raise the state gasoline tax by 2.5 cents each year for the next four years until it is fully implemented. The Proposition has been placed on the November ballot. If passed and once … Continued

Chamber Hosts Lt. Gov. Mike Parson on a Tour of Columbia

Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Parson is set to become the 57th Governor of Missouri on Friday, June 1, 2018 as he is officially sworn in at 5:30 p.m. Parson is no stranger to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He has spoken with members at the Quarterly Membership Breakfast just after he was elected Lt. Gov. … Continued

Chamber Celebrates its Successes from the 2018 Legislative Session

The Chamber worked tirelessly throughout the session talking with representatives and senators about the priorities of the Chamber and the importance of the Columbia business community to the state’s economy. Those relationships and the education that occurred during the session proved to be beneficial because there were several bills passed that strengthened business in Columbia. … Continued

May 2018 Member News

MEMBER NEWS The Loop Corridor Plan is a new vision for the future of the Business Loop, a street which serves as the entrance to Columbia yet has been neglected for decades. The Business Loop Community Improvement District saw the need to improve The Loop’s identity and position within the broader community. After years of public … Continued

Chamber Using New Software to Get Members More Involved in Legislative Efforts

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has begun to use VoterVoice software to involve our members in our legislative efforts. Through the VoterVoice program, Chamber staff can update members on the legislative issues that matter and simplify the process to contact elected officials. These alerts keep members updated on important developments in federal, state and local … Continued

Chamber Endorses SB 900 and HB 2123

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is encouraged about the support the Missouri Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee has for SB 900. Yesterday the committee heard the bill that will find meaningful work for previously convicted felons. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce fully supports SB 900 and its counterpart HB 2123. Both SB … Continued

Columbia Chamber of Commerce Supports Smarter, More Secure and More Stable Energy Through SB 564 and HB 2265

As the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment is conducting a hearing on HB 2265, sponsored by Rep. T.J. Berry (R-38), the Columbia Chamber of Commerce announces its support for the bill. HB 2265 will help advance smart technologies while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and consumer protections. It will focus on … Continued

Columbia Chamber of Commerce Unveils Legislative Priorities to Improve Business Climate in Columbia

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce released its priorities for the current legislative session. The priorities and positions were carefully and strategically chosen based on the feedback from the businesses community, education entities, legislative members and community leaders. The Chamber’s priorities and positions focus on making Columbia more competitive and safer within the region, state and … Continued